Del Mar Trainers to Hop in Bouncey Ball Race

Dignity will take a back seat to charity at Del Mar Sept. 3, when several trainers are slated to line up for a race on children bouncey balls to benefit retired racehorses.

Twelve trainers, plus one also eligible, will pony up the $100 entry fee, with all funds going to CARMA to benefit retired racehorses. A bottle of Maker’s Mark is on the line for the winner of the race.

Doug O’Neill, whose children have competed in the bouncey ball races that Del Mar regularly schedules throughout the meeting, drew post 6 for the 50-yard event. It will take place after the fifth race Wednesday in the stretch on the Polytrack. He is listed at 10-1 on the morning line.

Dan Blacker on the rail is listed as the favorite at 2-1. The program analysis reads: "He has age and athleticism on his side. The one to beat." Tim Yakteen, who apparently posted a bullet bouncey ball work Aug. 31, and Ron Ellis, "sire of Hippity Hop winner Christine Ellis," are both 5-2.